Praise for the army

In a surprise move, Zimbabwe's military seized power on November 15, intervening in party politics over Mugabe's succession.

The army said it wanted to "target criminals" around the 93-year-old who were leading the ruling ZANU-PF party and state astray.

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Both the army and the influential war veterans' association were afraid Mugabe might hand power to his wife, Grace, seen as Mnangagwa's main opponent in ZANU-PF's succession battle.

In a rare sign of solidarity between the people and the army, which has often been a pillar of support for Mugabe's rule, tens of thousands of Zimbabweans took to the streets on Saturday to express support for the military's operation.

During his speech, Mnangagwa said he had been in constant communication with the army chiefs throughout the period between his firing by Mugabe on November 6 and his return to Zimbabwe.

Praising General Constantino Chiwenga, he said the armed forces "have been able to manage this process very peacefully."